Ribald Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ribald
[ˈrɪbəl(d) ]
Definition
humorous, rude
Ribald describes speech or behavior that is coarsely or humorously vulgar. It often refers to joking or remarks that are playful but inappropriate or irreverent in nature.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The comedian's ribald humor kept the audience laughing.
- She was known for her ribald remarks during dinner parties.
- His ribald storytelling made it difficult to take him seriously.
- The play was filled with ribald references that shocked some patrons.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, many authors choose ribald humor to highlight the absurdities of social norms, often making readers laugh while reflecting on serious subjects.
- Writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and Shakespeare used ribald language to create comic relief and engage audiences with naughty jokes.
- Contemporary novels frequently feature ribald characters, emphasizing the clash between societal expectations and human behavior.
Cultural Significance
- Ribald humor has often been associated with carnival traditions, where social mores are humorously subverted, allowing for a brief moment of freedom.
- In many cultures, ribaldry reflects inherent truths about human nature, such as desires and taboos, often leading to dialogue about societal rules.
- Comedy festivals often celebrate ribald acts, showcasing humor that pushes boundaries and reflects cultural shifts.
Pop Culture
- Television shows like 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation' often incorporate ribald humor to create relatable and laugh-out-loud scenarios.
- Stand-up comedians frequently use ribald jokes to engage audiences, mixing vulgarity with sharp observations about life.
- Films categorized under 'raunchy comedies,' like 'Superbad' and 'Porky's,' rely heavily on ribald content for laughs.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that laughter elicited from ribald humor can act as a social bonding mechanism, breaking down barriers among groups.
- Ribald jokes often play on the psychology of surprise, where shocking or taboo topics elicit more laughter compared to gentle humor.
- Humor that includes ribald elements can reduce stress and encourage a sense of freedom in expression.
Origin of 'ribald'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Middle English word 'ribald,' used to describe someone who is raunchy or lewd in nature.
- It has roots in the Old French word 'ribaud,' which denoted a debauched or lewd person, showing its longstanding connection to humor and crudeness.
- Related words in other languages include 'ribaldria' in Italian, used similarly to describe crude humor.
The word 'ribald' comes from Middle French 'ribal', which meant 'vulgar or base.' This term has its roots in the Old French 'ribald', referring to a man who is rude or low. Its etymology can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic root *ribilaz, which hinted at a sense of debauchery. Over time, 'ribald' has evolved to primarily describe a particular type of humor or commentary that is both playful and often considered indecent, reflecting a certain irreverence that can be found in various forms of literature and performance. This linguistic journey highlights how the perception of ribald behavior has shifted to evoke not just a sense of disrespect, but also a kind of endearment in the context of comic relief.